Sustainable finance
2023-04-18
As a major player in a fairer and more inclusive society, the Group is deploying several initiatives to promote the financial and social inclusion of the most vulnerable. BNP Paribas has a long history of working closely with communities to support their economic, social and cultural development. It does so by serving vulnerable clients, supporting microfinance institutions on four continents or through its sponsorship programmes, based on long-standing relationships with committed local partners.
BNP Paribas’ commitment to the direct financial inclusion of the most vulnerable customers is reflected in the wide range of initiatives undertaken by Commercial, Personal Banking & Services (CPBS). This division houses the Group’s retail banking networks as well as several specialised business lines: platforms for identifying and supporting customers in a situation of financial fragility (Axelle), solutions for providing better support to customers with disabilities, new banking models such as Nickel, etc.
Nickel is a solution available online, at tobacconists or at Nickel points of sale, offering a bank account accessible to all, without income requirements. Since its creation, more than 3 million accounts have been opened. Following its arrival in the Spanish and Belgian markets, Nickel now has more than 6,900 tobacconist partners. In addition, Nickel continues to innovate for inclusion, with their True Name feature allowing non-binary and transgender customers to easily choose their preferred first name on their payment cards.
In credits or investments in 2022
In cumulative funding since 1989
Microcredit beneficiaries supported indirectly since 1989
“Financial inclusion aims to improve access to financial products for everyone, regardless of their situation. What most people suffering from financial exclusion lack is education on the subject. Then they need access to financial services themselves: this is where microfinance comes in.”
The BNP Paribas Foundation supports initiatives in favour of culture, research, and solidarity with young people, disadvantaged populations and refugees.